Special Events Permits

A special event permit offers you some security should a neighbour complain during your event. As long as you have followed all the safety and legislative requirements identified on your permit, then you reduce the risk of getting a fine should someone complain.

Please submit your application as soon as your event date is confirmed, even if you don’t have all the details, we can at least get it in the queue. 

Once we have your application, you will be assigned a one point of contact which you can reach out to if you have questions or any additional details to add. Our goal is to issue you the permit 30 days in advance of an event, so the sooner you can get the application to us, the sooner we can issue the permit. 

Additional Application Documents 

Site Map

A site map provides a visual perspective on where tents, vehicles and structures are located on the property. It gives the County an opportunity to ensure that the location of all structures meet building code requirements allows emergency vehicle access, should it be needed.

A site map should include: 

• the location of all vehicle parking
• the location of any temporary structures such as tents, stages, bleachers, portable washrooms, bouncy castles, food trucks, etc.
• the distances between each structure and in relation to the permanent structures, such as a house, barn or shed 

Please see a sample site map: Sample Site Map

Route Map 

A route map is required when an event impacts roads and should include location of any signage and flaggers. Generally, route maps are required when a parade, parking or road race is planned.

Please see a sample route map here: Sample Route Map

Tent Floor Plan 

A tent floor plan is required for any tents that are more than 300 square metres in area. Please note that the tent floor plan is separate from your site map.

A tent floor plan should include: 

• the dimensions of the tent
• the location of any tables and chairs and their approximate distances between each other
• the location and widths of entrances/exits
• the location of stages, dance floors, food tables, DJ setups, and any other applicable items
• the location of fire extinguishers (please note that fire extinguishers are required to be inside the tent)  

Please see a sample tent floor plan here: Sample Tent Floor Plan

Other Permits and Licences

Depending on your event, you may need to apply for and obtain other permits and licences. 

If your event requires a tent permit, your one point of contact will apply for this permit on your behalf. Fire permits and fireworks permits are reviewed by our Fire Services team based on the current environmental risks. 

Liquor Licence

An Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) Liquor Licence is required for selling or supplying alcohol. You can apply for an AGLC Licence here: Apply for a liquor licence | AGLC 

You will need a Liquor License to sell or supply alcohol at your private event if you are having your event in a public place, like a park or a community hall. 

If you are planning on having a Beer Garden (designated alcohol servicing area) at your event, the County's Fire Services team will need to determine an occupancy limit. This is based on a Beer Garden site map that must include the following: 

• the dimensions of the designated area
• expected number of people
• the location of fire extinguishers
• the location and widths of entrances/exits 

Please see a sample Beer Garden site map here: Sample Beer Garden Site Map

Noise Exemption 

As per the County’s Noise Control Bylaw, any loud noise, after 10 p.m. would require a noise exemption permit. For more information, please contact us at specialevents@rockyview.ca or reference the bylaw at Noise Control Bylaw C-8067-2020. 

Special Event Insurance 

Special event insurance is added insurance, specifically for your event. Typically, you can get this type of insurance through your current insurance provider. You might need special event insurance if:

• you are having bouncy castles.
• you are having a petting zoo.
• you are requesting to have your guests park on public roads (where parking may be permitted).

Once you have submitted your application, we will let you know if special event insurance will be required.

Notifying Your Neighbours 

You must notify your neighbours of an event 30 days in advanced. This includes notifying all landowners within a one mile (1600 metres) radius of the event. 

We always recommend that you notify your neighbours as soon as you have the date for the event. If you don’t have all the details, you can provide those later. Early conversations may increase the community’s support for your event. 

You can notify your neighbours by speaking to them directly, or by leaving them written notification at their property. 

Please see a sample Notification Letter here: Sample Notification Letter

Permit Guide

• Guideline for Temporary Tent, Stages, and Bleachers
• Sample Site Maps [PDF/759KB]
• Sample Tent Floor Plan [PDF/856KB]
• Sample Route Map [PDF/423KB]
• Sample Beer Garden Site Map [PDF/757KB]
• Sample Event Notification Letter [PDF/189KB]
• Emergency Action Plan Template [PDF/105KB]
• Traffic Control Plan Template [PDF/57KB]

Need to advertise your event?

Events in the County can be added to an online calendar. County Events Calendar.